Chihuahua Mining Cluster Aims to Spread Mining’s Benefits

The Chihuahua Mining Cluster is seeking to create economic spillover effects in its home state by developing the mining industry. To do so, it will organize an international event in which Chihuahua’s mining companies will be able to meet and define business proposals. 

Among the companies invited to participate in the event are Agnico Eagle, Grupo Coanzamex, Grupo México, Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua, Fresnillo, Sierra Metals, Bergmann, Reyna Silver, Latin American Zinc, Minera Rio Tinto, Coeur Mexicana, Panamerican Silver, Peñoles, Minera Titan, Samalayuca Cobre and Minera Plata Real. 

For this year, the sector is expected to have an economic spillover of over MX$150 million (US$7.5 million). During the cluster’s previous two events, more than 350 companies participated, holding over 900 business meetings. Sixty percent of the companies were able to generate quotes of around US$25,000. Furthermore, 58 percent of the companies got into further meetings and 68 percent managed to close sales, once again underlining the importance of face-to-face business meetings. 

For 2022, the cluster predicts that more than 500 business meetings are held with the participation of more than 150 companies, which will have the opportunity to carry out networking activities. 

Chihuahua 

Chihuahua is a state with a 450-year mining history and is traditionally considered to be a true mining entity. Its territory holds important reserves of gold, silver, lead, copper and zinc, according to mining chamber CAMIMEX. Chihuahua’s mining industry amounts for 12.7 percent of the national metals-focused mining industry. Mining activity furthermore represents 4 percent of the state’s GDP. Within this environment, the Chihuahua Mining Cluster works to spread the benefits of the industry.

Silver is the main mineral produced in Chihuahua, with 55,371 tons produced in 2019, followed by zinc with 7,201 tons, lead with 2,332 tons and copper with 690 tons. In 2020, selling these minerals raised US$2.19 billion. Gerardo Durán, Director General, Chihuahua Mining Cluster explained that 94 percent of the mining activity is concentrated in the central and southern regions of the state, concentrated in 20 municipalities. Of these 20 districts, 15 are affiliated with the Cluster, and five of them represent 9.45 percent of the nation’s metals production. Durán mentioned that 312,000 inhabitants are directly or indirectly benefitted from mining activities, as the sector has created 20,493 direct jobs.

“The Cluster was born in 2013 as the main association helping and connecting the companies of the sector and today features 130 suppliers,” said Durán. Furthermore, the Cluster is present at 13 mining units and four mining projects. It formed alliances with six educational institutions and two investigation centers, bringing a wealth of technical knowledge to the state. The organization furthermore seeks to generate networking prospects to establish new business opportunities.